By Lori Yerdon USAG Humphreys Public Affairs

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea – An inaugural Community Covenant signing between the City of Pyeongtaek and U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys took place, April 22, at Pyeongtaek City Hall. Mayor Kim Sun-ki, of Pyeongtaek, and David W. Frodsham, deputy to the garrison commander, signed the Covenant that pledges mutual cooperation to support future community relations initiatives and the Good Neighbor program. Also present for the historic signing was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Kathleen Stephens; Gen. Walter L. Sharp, commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Vice Governor Bang, Ki-sung, of Gyeonggi Province; and other city officials. “Today’s first-ever signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the city of Pyeongtaek and the Garrison at Camp Humphreys deserves special recognition because of the momentous changes that are taking place in the Republic of Korea – United States Alliance,” Sharp said. “Both of our countries are moving forward with a number of initiatives. One of the key components of that plan is the relocation of the majority of United States Forces Korea Service members and their Families and civilians to Camp Humphreys and Pyeongtaek.” The Army Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by local communities to Soldiers and their Families and is designed to develop and foster community partnerships with the Army, working to improve quality of life. “The establishment of this MOA has a very important meaning as it creates a prosperous community between the city and U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys,” Kim said. “Let’s continue to make efforts to be good neighbors to each other, and to construct a happy and beautiful Pyeongtaek City.” Humphreys Garrison and the city of Pyeongtaek have an unyielding relationship and the signing of the agreement further solidifies that relationship. “The signing of this agreement this afternoon also signifies an expansion of the relationship between Camp Humphreys and Pyeongtaek,” Sharp said. “As this Garrison continues to grow, USFK’s ties with the City will also continue to strengthen.”

Photos by Lori Yerdon, Terri Donald and Courtesy of Pyeongtaek City Hall